Company: CIBC

Position: financial analyst, financial management development program

Employed: one year

Where did you go to school? What program did you attend?
I attend the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, and will graduate with an MBA in the spring of 2007.

What drew you to your current field?
I have always wanted to explore a career in finance. This was the main reason I decided to return to school to pursue an MBA degree, majoring in finance. I believe that this position will give me significant insight to many areas of finance within a large organization, while at the same time allow me to further apply and develop my analytical and management skills. I also see this as an opportunity to explore the different career paths within finance at CIBC.

How did you find your current position?
I was hired for a summer position in finance through on-campus recruitment. After a great summer of challenge and opportunity, I expressed an interest to be considered for a full-time position at CIBC and was offered a full-time opportunity to join the Financial Management Development Program (FMDP), a two-year rotation program for MBA graduates.

Tell us a bit about your responsibilities.
The FMDP rotation program will give me the opportunity to work in four different areas of finance within CIBC, with each placement lasting six months. Some of my responsibilities will include managing and completing department specific assignments, financial reporting and analysis, and partnering with business units across CIBC to generate various financial business solutions.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Every employee is expected to play an integral part in helping the company strengthen its financial management capabilities. In finance, we support this through identifying opportunities to improve financial performance and ensuring the integrity of financial information and its disclosure.

What skills have you learned through your work experience?
I've learned the importance of joining an organization that supports your personal and career development objectives, and making genuine, trustworthy and respectful relationships with colleagues and clients.

Is there one accomplishment you are particularly proud of?
One of the highlights of being a finance summer student at CIBC was the opportunity to deliver a presentation on the results of our assignments to an audience of peers, managers, and the CFO. This was a great opportunity to receive performance feedback from senior management and gain valuable insight on pursuing a successful career at CIBC. I believe the success I achieved during my summer internship can be attributed to my dedication towards achieving results and the organization's positive work environment. As a result, I received an offer to return full-time and am looking forward to this next role with CIBC.

What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job?
Be proactive and start early. In addition to the resources offered by the career centre, make sure to do your own research. Contact people already working in the industry, and build your network of personal and business contacts. Also, try seeking the advice of alumni or a mentor. jp
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